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December 13, 2009

FEEDING YOURSELF FROM GOD’S WORD

“Jesus said, ‘People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God.’” Matt. 4:4 (NLT)

“You have been Christians a long time now, and you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you still need someone to teach you ... You are like babies who drink only milk and cannot eat solid food.” Heb. 5:12 (NLT)

I. I MUST ACCEPT THE BIBLE AS MY AUTHORITY

“We thank God continually because, when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but actually as it is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.” 1 Thess. 2:13

UNRELIABLE “AUTHORITIES”
• Culture Exodus 23:2; Isaiah 5:20
• Tradition Mark 7:8
• Reason Prov. 16:25
• Emotions Judges 21:25

“Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us the truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.”
2 Tim. 3:16-17

II. I MUST LEARN TO STUDY THE WORD

“Search the scriptures; for in them you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39

“Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that is not ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.”

“Happy are those who reject the advice of evil people, who do not follow the example of sinners or join those who have no use for God. Instead, they find joy in obeying the Law of the Lord, and they study it day and night.”

DIFFERENCES BEETWEEN READING and STUDYING THE BIBLE:

You Learn To Take Notes
You Learn To Ask Questions

THE DEVOTIONAL METHOD OF BIBLE STUDY

STEP 1: YOU PRAY

“Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law.” Psalm 119:18

STEP 2: YOU MEDIATATE

“Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.”
2 Tim. 2:7

1. PICTURE IT

2. PRONOUNCE IT

3. PARAPHRASE IT

4. PERSONALIZE IT

5. PROBE IT Ask: Is there any ... Sin to Confess?

Promise to Claim?
Attitude to Change?
Command to Obey?
Example to Follow?
Prayer to Pray?
Error to Avoid?
Truth to Believe?
Something to Thank God For?

6. PRAY IT

STEP 3: APPLICATION

“Once you know these things you’ll be blessed if you do them.”

What am I going to DO about what I’ve learned?

Personal

Practical

Possible

Provable

STEP 4: MEMORIZATION

“Remember what Christ taught and let His Word enrich your lives and make you wise…” Col. 3:16

“I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Ps. 119:11